Baked Beans(Great For A Barbecue!)
This hearty baked beans dish combines savory ground beef, vegetables, and rich sauces, topped with crispy bacon for a smoky flavor. Perfect for barbecues and casual gatherings, it offers a comforting, flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to please a crowd.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet.
- Drain the grease and add chopped onion, green pepper, and celery; sauté until wilted.
- Add mustard, ketchup, and barbecue sauce; mix well.
- Stir in the pork and beans and pour the mixture into a casserole dish.
- Lay bacon slices on top of the beans.
- Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 30 to 40 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or using smoked bacon. If you're out of pork and beans, substitute with navy beans or any canned beans of your choice. To enhance sweetness, a tablespoon of brown sugar can be added to the sauce mix. Don't forget to taste and adjust seasoning according to your preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these baked beans as a hearty side dish at your next barbecue, pairing them with grilled meats or cornbread for a complete meal. They also complement dishes like Barbecued Sauerkraut beautifully. For a fresh contrast, consider a side salad or coleslaw to balance the richness of the beans.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the baked beans to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, place them in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave, covered, for about 2-3 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Beans(Great For A Barbecue!) contains roughly 708 calories, with 13g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 61g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (82% of the Daily Value) and protein (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 882mg per serving (38% of the Daily Value).
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make baked beans ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish a day in advance. Simply follow the recipe and assemble everything in the casserole dish, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake them straight from the fridge, just adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I add to make the beans spicier?
If you prefer a kick, try adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the mix. You could also incorporate cayenne pepper or chili powder to the sauce. Start with a small amount and adjust to your heat preference for the best results.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! You can substitute the ground beef with textured vegetable protein (TVP) or lentils for a vegetarian version. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and omit bacon or use a plant-based bacon alternative. The flavors will still be delicious with the remaining ingredients.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).